Shining the Spotlight On Gay Civil Rights
The world has come a long way since the Stonewall Riots, but we’d be wrong to think that the job is done. Worrying findings from the Office for National Statistics in 2023 show that hate crimes against those from the LGBTQ+ community are on the rise in the UK.
The Stonewall Riots may not have started the gay rights movement, but they certainly shone the spotlight on the discrimination endured by the LGBTQ+ community, not just in the United States, but across the globe.
The events of 1969 meant that the voice of those demanding change went from being an inaudible whisper to a shout that could not so easily be ignored.
Organisations like the Gay Activists Alliance and Gay Liberation Front had the confidence to come together to hold protests in Washington DC the year after the riots.
The riots also brought about the creation of Pride Month, which has grown into a global event that raises awareness for the LGBTQ+ community and gay civil rights. Perhaps that’s the greatest legacy of all.
Can We Do More During Pride Month?
When it comes to embracing diversity, the best tool we have is education. When we educate ourselves about the struggles of those battling homophobic and transphobic discrimination, we become an ally for people who struggle to be heard.
That’s why I’d like to shine a light on the UK Black Pride movement. What started off as a single event in London in 2005 has grown to become the biggest event of its kind in Europe, attracting thousands of people every year.
The legacy of the UK Black Pride movement will go a long way to creating a united and resilient society where everyone’s right to be exactly who they are is celebrated and protected. If you’d like to find out more about the movement and this year’s UK Black Pride Event being held at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London. Now officially the world’s largest celebration for LGBTQI+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern, the event will see a range of performances, talks, community stalls and workshops. I’d recommend checking out its website here.
LGBTQ+ In The Workplace
The legacy of the Stonewall riots is far-reaching, but for workplaces in the UK, they have had a significant impact.
Diversity in the workplace has been shown to have huge benefits for employers and employees alike. As the world becomes more interconnected, businesses that harness the skills of people from a wide variety of backgrounds are more likely to succeed.
The UK is a wonderful blend of people of different races, genders and socio-economic classes. An inclusive workplace can spot changes to the market and consumer behaviour before it happens, this advantage enables the organisations to adjust accordingly by reflecting the society it serves.
Embracing diversity in the workplace is fantastic for a company’s reputation, but it goes far beyond that. Having a workforce full of people with different backgrounds increases productivity and creativity.
Not only will diverse businesses attract the best talent from all walks of life, but they’re more likely to retain it too. There is no doubt that diversity in the workplace is good for business.
Final Thoughts
LQBTQ+ History and Pride Months gives us a chance to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. There is still a lot of work to do when it comes to creating more inclusive workplaces and raising awareness to new audiences of the plight of LGBTQ+ communities across the UK.
A future where everyone is celebrated and recognised for who they are may just be within reach. There is no doubt that events like Pride Month are still needed to keep raising awareness of the plight of LGBTQ+ communities across the globe.
